Taking personality selection bias seriously in animal cognition research: a case study in capuchin monkeys (Sapajus apella)

In most experimental work on animal cognition, researchers attempt to control for multiple interacting variables by training subjects prior to testing, allowing subjects to participate voluntarily, and providing subjects with food rewards. However, do such methods encourage selection bias from subjects’ personalities? In this study, we trained eighteen zoo-housed capuchin monkeys (Sapajus apella) for two experiments, under conditions of positive reinforcement (i.e. food rewards) and free-choice participation. Using a combination of behavioral and rater-based methods, we identified and validated five personality dimensions in these capuchins (Assertiveness, Openness, Neuroticism, Sociability, and Attentiveness). Scores on Openness were positively related to individual differences in monkey task participation, reflecting previous work showing that such individuals are often more active, curious, and willing to engage in testing. We also found a negative relationship between scores on Assertiveness and performance on tasks, which may reflect the trade-offs between speed and accuracy in these animals’ decision-making. Highly Assertive individuals (the most sociable within monkey groups) may also prioritize social interactions over engaging in research. Lastly, monkeys that consistently participated and performed well on both tasks showed significantly higher Openness and lower Assertiveness compared to others, mirroring relationships found between personality, participation, and performance among all participants. Participation and performance during training was clearly biased toward individuals with particular personalities (i.e. high Openness, low Assertiveness). Results are discussed in light of the need for careful interpretation of comparative data on animal cognition and the need for researchers to take personality selection bias more seriously.     

Impact of chronic illness: Differing perspectives of younger and older women

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the life experiences of six women with chronic illness who represent three differing life stages. The participants included two women who were in young adulthood, two who were between the ages of 40 and 60, and two women in their late 70s. The women were all diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, or a combination of these disorders. They were interviewed concerning the impact illness has had on their lives, the manner in which chronic illness has altered their self-perceptions, and the ways in which they have come to make meaning from the event. While the women had achieved varying levels of acceptance of their illness, it appeared that the ability to cope was dependent on numerous factors across several life circumstances. Distinctions were made regarding ability to either adjust to the illness or use the experience as a catalyst for personal growth.     

行人过街的认知心理过程和模型

随着交通系统的复杂化,行人安全受到的威胁日益增加。本文以行人穿过马路的心理步骤为切入点,对行人观察感知、判断决策方面的研究进行综述。在观察感知方面,主要分析了观察内容、策略及注意失误的原因,在判断决策方面,介绍了内部心理机制中相关的理论模型,包括效用理论、计划行为理论,以及具体行为机制中的可接受间隙理论,并重点分析了具体行为机制里闯红灯行为的影响因素。最后,本文提出了行人过街的认知心理模型,为以后的行人研究提供理论借鉴,为交通安全提供实践依据。     

心理学视角下社交网络用户个体行为分析

以社交网络的典型代表Facebook为例, 以社交网络用户个体行为为着眼点, 从个体使用社交网络的动机、社交网络用户个体行为的主要表现及其影响因素和结果变量四个方面, 梳理国外心理学领域有关社交网络的最新研究成果。今后研究可以在社交网络用户个体行为的测量、样本代表性、线上和线下社交网络的交互作用、具体人格特质变量的预测作用以及对社交网络功能的动态考察等方面推进已有研究。     

时间压力的双刃效应及其作用机制

时间压力是现代社会中人们经常面对的重要问题。以往研究认为时间压力只会产生消极影响, 然而现有研究发现时间压力也会产生积极影响。总结以往研究, 介绍了时间压力的概念和测量方式, 分别阐述了时间压力的损耗作用和促进作用, 并用注意焦点理论、激活理论、维生素模型和挑战?阻碍模型等理论解释时间压力的双刃效应。未来研究应该进一步关注：(1)基于时间心理账户开展时间压力的分类研究; (2)时间压力促进作用的动机和情绪双路径机制; (3)探寻有效缓解时间压力损耗作用的机制。     

领导的消极情绪对员工绩效的积极作用

领导情绪对员工绩效有非常重要的影响, 但并非总是遵循“对称假设”。在特定条件下, 领导表达的消极情绪对员工绩效起到积极作用。情绪即社会信息模型(EASI)可以通过情绪表达者、情绪接受者、组织氛围和组织文化四个角度解释这一不对称现象, 但也存在局限性。文章在以往研究的基础上, 从情绪和认知两条路径出发, 对领导情绪和员工绩效间的中介机制及影响因素进行了系统梳理, 并提出了一个整合模型。未来研究应该关注：领导消极情绪表达的时机和程度, 不同类型的消极情绪对员工绩效的影响, 员工情绪反应的差异性。     

对哮喘患者进行教育管理的内容和方法

目前尚不能根治哮喘,然而长期管理有助于达到哮喘控制,哮喘教育是其重要组成部分.哮喘教育内容应包括哮喘的诊断、预防及治疗相关的知识、技能.应当采取个体化、循序渐进的教育方式,集体教育是个体化教育重要的补充.     

儿童收养研究中的心理学问题

国外关于儿童收养的心理学研究主要集中在收养儿童的心理适应、认知发展及人格发展等方面, 研究呈现了不同收养年龄、不同收养前经历、不同收养背景下的儿童不同的发展态势, 并做了原因探析和干预机制的探索。但国外该领域的心理学研究仍存在样本区分不明确、对原因的探讨相对薄弱等问题。国内儿童收养的心理学研究应更关注未经历剥夺环境的大龄儿童, 从亲属与非亲属收养、保密型与开放型收养的利弊对比等方面有针对性的开展本土化研究。